Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in 4 Days: Cruise Itinerary
Four days is enough to fall for Hanoi and wake up on Ha Long Bay. You spend your first day in the capital with a private guide, sail among limestone islands on an overnight cruise, then come back to Hanoi for a last evening in the Old Quarter. Everything runs daily from two travelers, with 4-star hotels in Hanoi.
Your four days at a glance
| Day | The feel of the day | What you do | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A thousand years in a day | Arrive, private Hanoi city tour with lunch | Lunch |
| 2 | Out onto the bay | Shuttle to Ha Long, cruise, island stop, cooking class | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| 3 | Morning mist, slow return | Tai chi, Surprise Cave, brunch, back to Hanoi | Breakfast, brunch |
| 4 | Old Quarter goodbye | Free time, check-out by noon, airport transfer | Breakfast |
Day 1: Hanoi with your own guide
Your guide meets you at the airport, and the city tour begins straight away, so plan to land early. You start at Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating from the 6th century. Next is the Ho Chi Minh Complex, with the mausoleum and the garden where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969, then the small One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.
Lunch is a Vietnamese table of eight dishes. In the afternoon you walk through the Temple of Literature, the country's first university, founded in the 11th century, with its quiet courtyards and old stone steles.
The evening is yours. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake as the lights come on, then lose yourself in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. Good first tastes are bun cha, grilled pork with noodles, and a cup of egg coffee.
Day 2: out onto Ha Long Bay
After breakfast the cruise shuttle takes about 3 hours to reach Tuan Chau Wharf, arriving around 12:30. A small boat brings you to the ship, where a welcome drink and your private cabin are waiting. Lunch is served as you sail, and the islands start to close in around you.
The afternoon stops at Titop Island, where you can swim or climb to the viewpoint for a view over the bay. Then comes a pearl farm village, with kayaking if you want to paddle yourself (paid on board). Back on the ship there is a cooking class and tea on the sundeck, and after dinner you can try squid fishing, have a drink at the bar or book a spa treatment.
Day 3: tai chi at sunrise, Surprise Cave, back to the city
If you get up for one thing on this trip, make it the 06:00 tai chi session on the sundeck, when the bay is at its quietest. After a light breakfast you explore Surprise Cave, one of the largest caves on the bay, with huge chambers in the rock.
Brunch is served as the ship returns to the wharf, and you leave the boat around 11:00. The shuttle brings you back to Hanoi for a free evening. Dinner is yours to choose, which makes it a good night for street food in the Old Quarter.
Day 4: one last walk through the Old Quarter
Have a slow breakfast and check out by noon. A late flight gives you time to buy coffee or silk, and to stop for one more egg coffee. Your driver then takes you to the airport.
Four tastes to look for
- Pho: the Hanoi version has a clear, savoury broth
- Bun cha: grilled pork with cold noodles, herbs and dipping sauce
- Egg coffee: strong coffee under a sweet, whipped egg cream
- Cha ca: turmeric fish fried at your table with dill
The best months to go
Autumn, from September to November, and spring are the most comfortable months in the north. December to February is cold and often misty on the bay. Our Vietnam travel guide explains the seasons.
Good to know
- Cover your shoulders and knees for the mausoleum and pagodas
- The mausoleum closes on Mondays and Fridays, and for maintenance from 15 June to 15 August. You can still see the outside
- In bad weather the authorities can cancel all cruises for safety. A hotel in Ha Long is then arranged instead
- Bring a small overnight bag for the cruise, plus swimwear and non-slip shoes
What your trip includes
- Two nights at a 4-star hotel in Hanoi on shared rooms, and one night in a cabin on the cruise
- Private airport transfers with a driver
- The private Hanoi day tour with guide and lunch
- The cruise with lunch, dinner and brunch on board, with its English-speaking crew guide
- Shuttle between Hanoi and Ha Long, and travel insurance
International flights, visa fees, tips, drinks and personal expenses are extra. A tip of about USD 5 per person per day is a good guide.
Questions before you go
Is one night on a Ha Long cruise enough?
It is enough to see the main sights: an afternoon on the bay, a night on board and an early morning at Surprise Cave. Choose two nights only if you want a slower pace.
How far is Ha Long Bay from Hanoi?
About 3 hours by road. The cruise shuttle collects you from Hanoi and brings you back, so you do not need to arrange transport.
What if the cruise is cancelled?
In storms or high winds the authorities can cancel all cruises for safety. A hotel in Ha Long is then arranged instead.
Is this trip good for families?
Yes, for most families. There are no very long days apart from the road to Ha Long. Tell the person planning your trip the children's ages, so rooms and costs can be set correctly.
Do I need a visa?
It depends on your passport. Read our Vietnam visa and entry guide before you book flights.
Want this trip?
Reply to the person who sent you this guide with your travel dates, number of travelers and hotel class. They will send you a quote and handle any changes before and during your trip.
This guide is from Dong Thi Co., Ltd, a licensed international tour operator since 2008.
